Linear Motor Movable Member Vibration Monitoring for Early Fault Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear motor systems in industrial applications, such as forming assemblies for packaging, lack effective methods for monitoring the condition of movable members, leading to potential premature degradation and forming errors.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for monitoring the condition of movable members in linear motor systems by positioning them at a monitoring region, applying vibration, and detecting responses using vibration sensors, allowing for early detection of faults and play.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If linear motor systems are used to improve efficiency and flexibility in industrial applications, then productivity and adaptability are improved, but the ability to monitor the condition of movable members is insufficient, leading to premature degradation and forming errors

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveefficiencyVSAvoidcondition monitoring capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration by applying vibrations to the movable member and detecting its response using a vibration sensor. The system generates vibration signals at different frequencies and analyzes the resonance characteristics of the movable member to detect mechanical plays, loose components, and degradation of mechanical connections, thereby enabling condition monitoring without affecting productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by analyzing the frequency response characteristics of the movable member. The system varies the vibration frequency and measures the amplitude response to identify resonant frequencies, which change when mechanical plays or loose components are present. This parameter-based approach enables detection of condition degradation while maintaining system productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If mechanical systems operate over time, then productivity is maintained, but mechanical plays develop that decrease overall stiffness and repeatability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidrepeatability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing condition monitoring during normal operation to detect mechanical plays and loose components before they cause forming errors or sterility issues. The vibration-based detection system continuously assesses the mechanical connection quality, allowing preventive maintenance to be scheduled before precision degradation affects manufacturing quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback by using vibration sensors to continuously monitor the response of movable members and comparing it against expected characteristics. When deviations indicating mechanical plays or loose components are detected, the system provides feedback for maintenance intervention, thereby preserving manufacturing precision and repeatability over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If condition monitoring is implemented to detect premature degradation, then reliability and manufacturing precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the movable member to self-diagnose its condition through vibration response analysis. The system uses the movable member's own mechanical characteristics and natural resonance frequencies as indicators of its health status, eliminating the need for external diagnostic equipment and reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables precise monitoring of movable members, reducing handling of defective products and detecting mechanical issues early, thereby maintaining the accuracy and repeatability of the forming process.

Implementation Method 1

applying vibrations to the movable member (2) and detecting a response of the movable member (2) to the vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4130913B1A method of monitoring the condition of a movable member in a linear motor system, corresponding linear motor system, forming assembly and computer program product
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP4130913B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4130913B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4130913B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

There is described a method of monitoring a condition of a movable member in a linear motor system, the method comprising: - providing a linear motor system comprising a track (1) and at least one movable member (2) coupled to the track (1) and configured to move along said track (1), the movable member comprising a vibration sensor (22) thereon, - positioning the movable member at a monitoring region of the track (1), - applying vibration to the movable member, and - detecting a response of the movable member to the vibration by means of the vibration sensor (22).